Not all iPhone screen protectors are alike. While they may all look pretty similar, some can be rather thin and flimsy, and won't do much to stop your screen from smashing if an accident occurs.Protectors that are made from strong 9H tempered glass are the ones you'll want to look out for, as your screen is more likely to stay intact with one of these stronger and more durable smash-proof covers.

No matter how careful you are, the screen is the most vulnerable part of your iPhone 14. Even if you never drop your phone, simply using it often enough is all it takes to degrade the quality of your screen. In addition to protecting your screen from physical damage, a screen protector protects the oleophobic coating on your iPhone. This helps keep your screen fingerprint-free, but can wear down over time from use. A screen protector preserves this, and tempered glass screen protectors typically have an oleophobic coating of their own. Any screen protector you choose takes the damage your screen would have otherwise. Tempered glass is the strongest, but it's not the only option. Film screen protectors (often PET plastic) are cheaper and easier to apply, and some people prefer the feel.The included EasyAligner mounting frame saves time and nerves, because the annoying fumbling with the smartphone protective glass is now a thing of the past. The display protection is very easy to apply right away, is completely bubble-free and can be removed without leaving any residue. Nevertheless, you can reapply your screen protector up to 200 times. Quite honestly, this is the only type of protector that's worth spending money on; as the cheaper alternatives are often the very definition of a false economy. Not that we're suggesting throwing your iPhone off of a bridge anytime soon if you do follow our advice –a screen protector is just a line of defence (as is a case with a lip). There’s no doubt a screen protector would have taken these scratches and protected the Ceramic Shield beneath it, and when you took it off, the original screen would still be in pristine condition. This is helpful if you want to sell the phone in the future. However, in the meantime, you will have to use the phone with a screen protector on it, and not all have the same degree of tactility as the actual screen they cover. Plus, there’s no denying what a pain they can be to fit in the first place.

We weren't born yesterday, and we know that most manufacturers will exaggerate and upsell key features of screen protectors knowing that you'll never test them. For example, some products might be listed with 10ft drop protection, but we aren't about to find out whether that's true. Take a look at our case guides for the latest flagship smartphones that boast the most powerful cameras: including the best Google Pixel 7 Pro cases, as well as the best Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cases, to protect your phone from daily damage. Considering the number of scratches the iPhone 13 Pro has accumulated over the last 12 months, and how I can only feel one of them with my fingernail, Ceramic Shield has done an impressive job. My phone hasn’t had any fights with a hammer or fallen from a great height, so I can’t speak to its ultimate performance. A screen protector may help keep the screen in one piece in more extreme circumstances, so if you’re prone to accidents it’s still a worthwhile addition to your new iPhone 14, along with a good case. Do I regret not putting a screen protector on the iPhone 13 Pro, or has Ceramic Shield glass done a good job at keeping it free from scratches and scuffs? You can see in the short video above how it has performed, but understanding its effectiveness is more than just seeing if you can spot scratches on the surface. Scratched, but not badly

The best iPhone screen protectors to buy in 2023

The biggest advantage of film screen protectors is the feel and touch sensitivity. To help the overall feel, the top layer of this film screen protector uses HD Clear Coating. This helps your screen stay looking shiny and new, but also feels more seamless to use.

Spigen has been a major player in iPhone cases for years, so it only makes sense that the company would make screen protectors as well. The Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector offers maximum protection for your screen, and it's easy to use.But this coating isn’t entirely scratch proof, however. An extra layer of protection is never a bad thing, and this will ensure that any key scratches, abrasion, or general wear and tear will be totally shielded.